Reviews (21)

Good resource
If I had a partner or a teacher and enough time, I think I could get swimming down much better. I am trying to learn too fast and cannot get the breathing down for the freestyle; going from novice swimmer to doing a 400 meter pool swim in four weeks wasn't enough time for me. The book is great, and I also bought the DVDs, which I found helpful. This is something I have learned that I can't cram, but given enough time I think the book could give me what I need to swim well.

The anatomy of a 2 second manuever....
Common sense stuff really. Break down a 2 second golf swing and see if you can make it better: although it may make perfect sense, translating the logic into a 2-second manuever probably takes years to make it effortless....

Learn to be fish like.
I took a TI weekend work shop and bought the book. The book has all the priceless information I learnt during the work shop that will help you find your balance in the water and be more fish like when swimming. It's a handy book that you will refer back to over and over again to become a better swimmer. But of course nothing can replace the hours of practice of what you will learn from this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health & Fitness / Exercise    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation / Swimming    4. Exercise    5. Fitness    6. Health & Fitness    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Study and teaching    9. Swimming   

Editorial Review

Masters swimmer and acclaimed coach Terry Laughlin has taught thousands to swim more efficiently in the workshops he has given across the United States. In his book Laughlin details simple, step-by-step drills emphasizing the importance of technique and an innovative workout regimen. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Cheap
Not a single photo ! Just a few sketches and a lot of talk. Save your money.

Misleading "concept"
This book describes a concept which is not revolutionary at all, lacks a comprehensive concept and good illustrations. The first chapters lead the reader redundantly through the biophysics and biomechanics of swimming bodies and quite extensively, the development of TI. Unfortunately, it sounds more like self-adulation and is excessively descriptive. The impatient reader will skip these chapters, asking himself where the swimming drills are. Thus, coming to real swimming, this book describes a good approach by teaching balance and breaking down a stroke into single sequence drills. However, if the reader does some internet search he will get these drills for free. Additionally, most internet pages provide video-clips. The reader may enjoy the drills up to the point where he is ready for real swimming. And then, the reader has to realize that this concept lacks drills for breathing and flip-turns! In summary, this book does not provide a comprehensive concept of swimming lacking essential techniques and good illustrations. Furthermore, the approach is not revolutionary if you research the "evolution" of modern swimming.

Improved my swimming significantly
The advice given in this book is very useful. It significantly reduced my stroke count. The drills are clearly explained as are the reasons why they improve your speed in the pool. It also has examples and stories that are inspiring. It was well worth my time and money ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Swimming    5. Swimming And Diving    6. Training    7. Sports & Recreation / General    8. Swimming & diving   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design and construction    4. Engineering - Civil    5. House & Home    6. Outdoor Structure Construction    7. Repair    8. Swimming pools    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Architectural structure & design    11. Building construction & materials    12. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc    13. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (5)

GREAT SWIMMING BOOK
This book is an excellent training guide for the swimmer at any level.I have been swimming for many years and after reading this book I have taken my skills to a higher level.I feel much stronger in the pool and my endurance has really increased.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to anyone who loves to swim.

unbeatable
Of all the training books out there today, this is the only one i have seen that really speaks to the swimmer specifically!This is an invaluable resource for any swimmer or coach.I would recommend this to the novice swimmer or a pro. Two thumbs up!

A Real Splash!!
I found that this book increased my speed, strength, and endurance.Often times, by increasing strenght, swimmers lose efficiency in their strokes.I found that this book did a great job increasing stroke power, while reiterating the need to maintain stroke efficiency.A GREAT BUY! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training    5. Sports & Recreation / Swimming    6. Sports & Recreation / Training    7. Swimming    8. Training    9. Athletic Training And Conditioning    10. Exercise    11. Health & Fitness    12. Physical education and training   

Editorial Review

Just about every other person in the world seems like an unfocused dilettante compared to long-distance swimming legend Lynne Cox. Soon At the age of 14, after several years of training hard in pools and the open sea, she was swimming the 26 mile stretch from Catalina Island to the coast of California. A year after that, she surpassed a lifelong goal by not only swimming the English Channel but setting a new men's and women's record in the process. Rather than be satisfied, Cox aimed still higher, conquering the Cook Strait in New Zealand, the Strait of Magellan and, the Cape of Good Hope, none of which had been swum before. Being the first to swim the Bering Sea from Alaska to what was then the Soviet Union is perhaps Cox's most impressive achievement, requiring a phenomenal amount of physical strength and endurance to withstand the chilly waters and diplomatic persistence to gain permission from Gorbachev during the Cold War. Read more

Reviews (36)

Great Book
Lynne Cox is very brave and her determination to succeed in every aspect of her life was very inspiring.She proves that when you have a passion for something and are willing to work for it, then nothing is out of reach.I really enjoyed this book not just because of that, but also because Lynn proves that she is just as skilled of a writer as she is a swimmer!She captures and holds your attention right to the end, describing in detail her life as a long-distance swimmer.The best way that I can explain it is that it was so good it was almost like reading fiction, if that makes sense.
more than just an interesting story
The story of Lynne Cox is one that we should all know about.It is nothing short of amazing what she did and how she impacted our move away from "cold" relations with the Soviets.The book is well written, easy to read and just plain interesting.But if there is one most impactful element of the book it is the underlying message that through focus one can accomplish anything.A great message for all of us to internalize

Swimming to Entropy
Lynne Cox is a swimmer, but not the type you think of at the beach or the pool.She is a long distance swimmer, and a specialist in swimming in cold water.
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Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cox, Lynne,    7. Long distance swimming    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Sports - General    10. Swimmers    11. Swimming    12. United States    13. Sports & Recreation / Swimming   

Reviews (5)

Good variety for your workouts
I've been fitness swimming for several decades which usually means go to pool, swim a mile. I recently started working through the workouts in this book with some triathlon friends. Still manage to get my mile but every day takes a different focus, my swimming has improved and I enjoy it more. Each page is something fresh and different. While the pages are waterproof, you do need to spend a few minutes and wipe EVERY page dry when you get home, not a big deal. Or stick the book in a ziplock bag and avoid the wet pages problem in the first place.
Great Training Tool
I have been using this book now for 2 months and I have enjoyed the variations in the works that I get each time I go to the pool, it can not replace the value of a coach, but as a training tool it can't be beat.
A good tool, but with one serious flaw..
The workouts and the book overall are good, and for the self-coached athlete, much better than trying to think up a workout every day.There are two main sets for each workout, one longer than the other, but they could use more differentiation - one may be 2600 meters and the other 2300 meters.It should be more like 2600 and 1900.Or slip a third option in the middle.Of course, if you are reasonably experienced, it's not had to extrapolate whatever distance you plan to do for the day.Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Swimming    4. Training    5. Triathlon    6. Multidiscipline sports    7. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (5)

Good Book but why not do one on someone that came out before they were big
This was a really good book.I really enjoyed the part about Mark's experience with being on the various committees and his speaking career.It was interesting to read something about an athlete who talked about other things he did besides just performing the sport itself.
new low for the Olympics, Gay Games & OutGames
Mark did a fairly good job in destroying any respect I had for the people responsible for putting together the Olympics, GayGames and the newly formed OutGames.His story was quite interesting and for the most part well written.I don't know if it was his intention but I agonized over all the frustrating in-fighting at Olympics/Gay Games/OutGames that was depicted in graphic detail.I was saddened that our gay brothers and sisters could not come together and cause one games series for us.Mark did a great job making me feel the pain we all go through with the anti-gay bigotry.I also enjoyed the way he showed the upward progression of acceptance from the time he was a teen to his 30s.I applaud Mark for this contribution and recommend the book.

Straight Up and Out Talk
Mark Tewksbury is an inspiring person and a well-admired athlete of the Olympics. I'll be honest and say I was approaching this book from a shallow viewpoint. Though he was a swimmer, not a diver, it seemed like his "coming out" story would just be a pale comparison to that of Greg Louganis.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gay Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    7. Sports - General    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (10)

The Fit Swimmer: 120 workouts and Training Tips
This book has really helped me improve and vary my workouts and make the masters swim class I teach more interesting.

A great training guide for anyone
Like many triathletes I had a bit of swimming in my background when I started racing, but certainly not enough to be competitive.I occasionally swam with organized groups but my consultant travel schedule made sure that was infrequent.I got a copy of The Fit Swimmer, read it cover to cover and made up about a dozen workouts from the suggested routines.The section on open water racing was particularly valuable.While training diligence was definitely part of it, this book was the #1 resource for me in competitively placing in events ranging from local races to National and Ironman distances.Ms. Brems meets 2 imperatives: she explains things simply and she gives you the tools you need to progress from a relative novice to a competitive swimmer.Like a craftsman and apprentice, she leaves it up to the reader to figure out how to best use the extensive toolset in the book.I found that creating about a dozen workouts on 3x5 cards from her suggested routines and rotating them did the trick (store them in a ziploc bag for use poolside).You can experiment with different routines to test how your body responds.I now coach people on an occasional basis, and strongly encourage each of them to read the book before we start.

Indispensable for first (and beyond) year swim coaches
Swimming is one of those curious beasts of the American atheticsports scene: vast multitudes participate (recreational, summer, competitive, etc.), but very few really know how to improve.As in other sports, many parents wind up coaching as their children get involved in swimming as there are too few coaches available.There is much to learn!Stroke technique, using the clock, training the aerobic and non-aerobic energy systems, how to author and conduct a productive and interesting workout, etc.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Physical fitness    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Swimming    6. Swimming And Diving    7. Training    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise    9. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (19)

Amazing, Inspiring
This book is written in a very humorous, conversational tone.I read straight through, not wanting to put it down, and passed it immediately along to a friend.
Great book
As an out of shape 40 something, I decided to try a sprint triathalon. I registered for a Labor Day sprint in February to allow myself plenty of training time. I looked at a few triathalon books and was almost frightened off the idea. As soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew it was for me. It was full of very helpful information and is laugh out loud funny. I felt the author was having a conversation with me. I have attended a womens triathalon training seminar and recommended this book to the group, it's that good.

A beginner's Bible
She's funny, she's devoted and she's fat. And she's not young, either. So if you're a woman, no longer a teenager or a 30-something, you will find this book funny (sometimes hilarious) and refreshing. It will answer all the questions you'd be afraid to ask a seriously competitive athlete. (Not Ms Williams is not competitive, but she sees it from the light of a person who's happy she can move, much less win.)
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Cycling    3. Cycling - General    4. Exercise    5. Healthy Living    6. Running & Jogging    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Swimming    10. Swimming And Diving    11. Triathlon   

Reviews (6)

Great visual aids
I couldn't put this book down!Chocked full of color photos makes this pleasing to use and wonderful to leaf through for ideas and an excellent reference. A good reminder of sound, basic training principles. A great addition to any library for dressage, hunter or jumper riders.

A must have - inspirational!
I just love this book. I've never been so inspired to make a trip to Home Depot - I couldn't wait to build my own cavalletti and get out there and give it a try. Directions for building your own can be found here: www.texashorsemansdirectory.com/thdcav.htm This book provides an excellent introduction to working with cavalletti and is a must have for the English rider. Easy to read, well illustrated, great schooling plans and the gymnastic jumping section at the end is an added bonus. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Cavalletti for everyone
I'm not a brave jumper and this book has really encouraged me to incorporate more ground poles and cavalletti into my regular training regime.Read more

Subjects:  1. Equestrian    2. Horses - Riding    3. Horses - Showing/Training    4. Pets    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Swimming    7. Pets / Horses / Care   

Reviews (11)

Sifting through a ton of ore for an ounce of gold
I just could not wait to get my hands on this book, which made the read all the more disappointing.Basically, Technical Diving in Depth is a poorly organized mishmash of Dr. Wienke's ground breaking published scientific work pulled together with a smattering of useful diving information to make a book.It also includes a lot of material almost completely irrelevant to diving such as a chapter on "Gravitation and Solar Radiation"; there is even a section on rotational precession, but the real gem is the section on stellar evolution.Yeah, I always ponder stellar evolution 80 feet down on a steep coral wall.Much of the material in the latter part of the book is a grab-bag of the basic knowledge one would acquire in the course of a obtaining a bachelors degree the physical sciences presented in Reader's Digest form.Is Dr. Wienke trying to impress us with equations, does he think he is writing a comprehensive physics book?He accomplishes neither.
Way useful, rediculously academic

do you have the education required to understand?
The book was owned by a fellow diver and I was able to read it during a drive to a distant dive site. I had plenty of distractions but was able to stay attached to most of the content. Aside from requiring an extensive background foundation in Science, Chemistry, Diving in general, and High-Level Math, I was able to comprehend most of the written material.Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Sports & Recreation / Scuba & Snorkeling    4. Swimming    5. Diving    6. Scuba & Snorkeling    7. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Reviews (4)

The Parents' Guide to Swimming
This book is outstanding.A must for any swimming parent.

Great information for parents of competitive swimmers!
Parents' Guide to Swimming is a much needed tool for parents of competitive swimmers.In it I found information on every topic an involved parent would need, especially a parent lacking a swimming background.Arata's perspective on the role of parents and coaches is especially helpful.He provides suggestions as to how parents can help their children succeed in competitive swimming while leaving the coaching to the coach.A very worthy read packed full of good information on topics ranging from nutrition to flexibility to how to find a suitable program for your swimmer.A must have!

The Handbook for all Parents of Swimmers
This is a terrific book!How I wish I'd had it when my own swimming daughter was feeling "burned out".Dr. Arata has great ideas on how to motivate kids past that stage so they have a chance to fulfill their potential.A wonderful resource on training, diet--everything!Super A+! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Parenting - General    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Swimming    5. Swimming for children    6. Advice on parenting    7. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (13)

What about faith?
It's hard to rate Sander's book.If you're a secular humanist, then fine, 5 stars.If you're a Christian, watch out, 3 at best, unless you classify it as a counter-example.I bought the book to try to help my daughter get the most out of athletics, but what I found was an eye-opener.The arguments are filled with reasoning that undermines the Christian faith: 1. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.A nice can-do attitude, but what about the grace of God?Summer forgot that she never had a debilitating traffic accident (try getting Olympic swimming gold with one leg) or a disease (thyroiditis will leave you in bed, not in a pool swimming laps) or a random act of violence against her.She, plus her parental guidance, were all that was needed.Hmmm...2. Next is the issue of pure selfishness.Who really benefits from her pursuit of gold?Summer.Hours each day serving one person - yourself - when you could be serving others.I don't see another way to slice that.She makes a weak argument that not using your skill is selfish.Well, if you have a great physical talent, use if for something physically challenging that will help other people (armed forces, police, construction, anything).3. The problem with spectator sports in general is (and yes, I'm a man and I don't watch sports) that the essence of sports is pride - showing that you are "better" than everyone else.Sanders pretty much states that this was her goal.Well, pride is one of the things that God hates the most.So to make your life's pursuit the goal of showing you are better than everyone else at anything is a pretty hollow existence.It's not surprising then that her second career choice is broadcasting ("look at me!" all over again).4. Letting the kid call the shots - I let my child make decisions based on her age.I don't assume she has more wisdom than I.I would discourage my kid from taking four or more hours per day, outside of school, in a selfish, prideful pursuit.(And lastly, let's not forget that the parable of "talents" in the Bible is one of the most widely misunderstood and misapplied passages.Its meaning is in using your talents to expand the kingdom of God, not in expanding the glorification of yourself.)
Summer's Olympic Wins were a product of her Family's Support
In Summer Sander's book Champions are Raised, not Born she talks about her life and how her parents affected it.Summer believed that the measure of a true champion I show well they take a defeat and Summer was about to take them in stride.Summer believed that her four Olympic medals were not just from her hard work but from the support of her parents and coaches also.Her childhood wasn't easy with the divorce of her parents but no matter whose house she was at she had both of their support.In her childhood swimming was just something she did to make friends and take up time but it ended up changing her whole life. Couldn't put it down
As a former swimmer and as a parent of 3 age-groups swimmers I figured this book would provide some insight into success.However, i didn't anticipate how much insight I would take away from it.It is truly amazing how much Ms. Sanders had been able to accomplish in her life and it is refreshing to see that someone so young had everything in the proper perspective.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Parent and child    7. Parenting - General    8. Sanders, Summer    9. Sports    10. Sports - General    11. Swimmers    12. Swimming    13. United States    14. Women    15. Women swimmers    16. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (13)

great review and guide book
Having not been diving in 1.5 years, I wanted to review some things before getting back in the water, so I bought this book.I thought this book was great.The author talked about his experiences, some techniques he has found useful, and procedures/ways to make things easier.Seems to cover everything, from multiple chapters on equipment to shore vs boat diving, how to deal with problems etc, etc.Very easy to read and understand how to apply what you read.

Excellent book for the new diver
As a newly certified open water diver, I know that there is a lot to learn. Open water certification allows you to dive safely (within limits) but it can't prepare you for all of the variations in diving. This book is a great guide to get you started on many different topics in diving.
Good for new divers
As suggested by the title, the author provides solid information for just certified divers. For people with a few years of scuba experience much of the book will be useless.
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Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Deep diving    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Scuba & Snorkeling    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Swimming    8. Swimming And Diving    9. Tests    10. Sports & Recreation / Scuba & Snorkeling    11. Swimming & diving   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Scuba & Snorkeling    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Swimming And Diving    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Caribbean islands    9. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

Great guide to the best diving destinations
This is an excellent guide for choosing a dive destination.My wife and I have had the good fortune to travel to a number of excellent dive locations in the past several years and this guide gets it right.Be forewarned, it makes no effort to be a comprehensive guide to the entire world (for that, try Dive by Monty Halls).But it does cover the most intriguing dive locations, so it is heavy on Asia and the South Pacific and light on the Caribbean and has no coverage of temperate destinations, such as California or British Columbia.
Diving the world
My wife Sue & I have been very lucky to dive some of the best diving locations in the world, all of which are featured in this excellent and very readable book. First of all the descriptions are spot on and you can tell that the text is taken from the experience of actually doing the dive or visiting the area, not just researching it (unlike so many guides). The book is not just a travel or dive guide, it's more like a wish list to the best diving in the world. If you are lucky enough to be able to do this sort of diving then I think owning this book is about as important as owning a mask. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Special Interest - General    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. Water Sports    5. Swimming & diving    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Special Interest / General   

Reviews (14)

A motivational read about Natalie
I found this book to be a great read about a swimmer who overcame issues to win 5 Olympic medals.As the mom of two swimmers on a less serious, more recreational, swim team, I can still understand all the pressures she felt.
A unique insite into ultra-competitive swimming
As a former collegiate All-American swimmer, I found Silver's book to be illuminating in many ways.While the writing style is a bit forced at times (for drama's sake), it is overall an interesting read and an honest look into the inner workings of competitive swimming.
Glad I got my copy at the library
As a former swimmer and a CAL grad who always admired Natalie, I looked forward to reading this book.It was a big disappointment:poorly researched, poorly written, and highly biased.Natalie comes across as narcissistic and emotionally fragile; I'm not surprised she had a hard time getting along with her teammates.With the exception of Terry McKeever, the women's coach at CAL who is painted in a saintly, long-suffering light, the profiled coaches were portrayed as insensitive and overbearing; hardly fair in terms of their records of success and the esteem in which their former charges hold them (especially true of Richard Quick at Stanford).I second another reader's recommendation of Gold In The Water as a considerably superior book on competitive swimming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Olympic Games    3. Olympics    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Surfers    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. United States    11. Women surfers    12. Sports & Recreation / Swimming   

Reviews (2)

Inspiring role model
I love this book! It's a great story of how sports can shape your life in a positive way. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike will be inspired by Jenny's story. This great book is now available as an e-book for those of you who can't find a copy of the original printing. You can order here from amazon.com, the isbn is B0001GDOUQ.

How Jenny dealt with the negative peer pressure
Fast Lane To Victory is the third in Wish Publishing's outstanding "Anything You Can Do...New Sports Heroes For Girls" series and the story of swim champion Jenny Thompson. Swimming was what Jenny like best, but when her friends at school started to tease her and call her "tomboy" and "Too Tall Thompson", she felt the pressures placed on a lot of young girls to conform to social norms of what was "proper" for girls. Jenny dealt with the negative peer pressure and became so successful as an athlete that she came to be called the "Fastest Swimmer in the World". Also very highly recommended for school and community library collections are the first two volumes in this superbly presented and inspiring sports oriented series for girls: A Drive To Win: The Story Of Nancy Lieberman (40-8, ...) and Sword Of A Champion: The Story Of Sharon Monplaisir (39-4, ...). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1973-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Girls & Women    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Sports & Recreation - Water Sports    9. Sports - General    10. Swimmers    11. Swimming    12. Thompson, Jenny,    13. United States    14. Women swimmers    15. Juvenile Biography    16. Sports   

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Swimming    4. Training    5. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (4)

A bit of a let down
Earlier dive guides I have used have come from the Globetrotter series - who do not have a guide for Barbados, which is what I was looking for. Coming to the "Complete Diving Guide" after the high standards of Globetrotter is something of a disappointment. There is nothing wrong with the book in terms of the content it is providing - it gives information on the sites, some (though by no means all) dive schools, and a little background on the islands. However, the writing style is very narrative - think "what I did on my diving holiday this summer" type essays. The presentation is also a bit dated. It is not a bad guide by any means, but if Globetrotter do get around to publishing on the area, it is almost certain to be a better bet.

winston reed
July 2001 I dove several of the sites reviewed by ms Ryanand Mr Savage Needs more vacation details
I found this guide pleasant to look through, but not half as helpful as Best Dives of the Caribbean by Hunter Publishing, which gives a lot more detail on the dive sites, places for kids to snorkel, hotels and everything I need to plan a vacation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Reference - General    3. Scuba & Snorkeling    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Water Sports    8. Caribbean    9. Caribbean islands    10. Guides    11. Scuba    12. Scuba Diving    13. Swimming & diving    14. Travel & holiday guides